theScore
Welcome to March. The Madness is officially here, and we're celebrating the occasion by looking back at some of the most incredible Hail Mary plays in the history of the men's NCAA Tournament.
Meg Oliphant / Getty
Amarr Knox vs. SFU (2025)
The Madness started early last year. Alabama State won the opening game of the First Four in dramatic fashion. Tied at 68 with 3.4 seconds left, Micah Simpson launched an 85-foot Hail Mary pass that tipped off multiple players before landing in the hands of Knox, who was all alone for a game-winning layup.
Dylan Buell / Getty
We work on it every day in practice. It works every time.
Simpson on his full-court pass
(NCAA)
Dylan Buell / Getty
Jalen Suggs vs. UCLA (2021)
With 3.3 seconds remaining in the Final Four, Suggs took an inbound pass, used three dribbles, and banked home a 37-footer from just past midcourt to send Gonzaga to the title game. Suggs' celebration - jumping up on a table on press row - is as memorable as the shot itself.
Andy Lyons / Getty
I've always wanted to run up on the table like Kobe and D-Wade and go like that. And that's the first thing I did.
Suggs on the inspiration for his celebration
(NCAA)
Andy Lyons / Getty
Game recognize game 🤝
I jumped on my kitchen table after you hit this shot bro 😆 https://t.co/rq6YUo53hI
Paul Jesperson vs. Texas (2016)
Northern Iowa's Jesperson drilled four 3-pointers in a first-round upset win over the Longhorns, but none were as memorable (or unlikely) as his half-court heave that banked in as time expired to give the Panthers a 75-72 win. According to the NCAA, Jesperson's 50-foot shot is the longest game-winning buzzer-beater in March Madness history.
Tom Pennington / Getty
Christian Laettner vs. Kentucky (1992)
Laettner's turnaround buzzer-beater with 0.3 seconds left in the 1992 Elite Eight is arguably the most famous shot in tourney history. But the iconic moment wouldn't have been possible without Grant Hill heaving a prayer on the inbound pass from under his own basket that found Laettner at the free-throw line. Duke went on to win the national championship.
Manny Millan / Getty
Laettner's Perfect Game 💯
Damian Strohmeyer / Getty